Gabr, S.H., 2004, Use and misuse of public open space along the Nile Waterfront, in: OPENspace, ‘Open space, people space’, OPENspace, Edinburgh
- Author : Gabr, S.H.
- Year : 2004
- Published in Book : Open space, people space
- Abstract in English : Unplanned privatisation of the Nile riverfront in Cairo over the past few decades has resulted in physical, visual and symbolic inaccessibility problems for the public. This paper assesses recent governmental efforts to reclaim the waterfront and provide public access by observing the nature of use or misuse of Al-Riyadi Garden, a public park along the Nile riverfront. Participant observation of users elicits user types, kinds of use and patterns of activities within the physical context of the park. The design of the park supports certain kinds of use and patterns of activities and constrains other uses and patterns of activities. Adaptation of physical space occurs to accommodate constrained activities. The park is successful in allowing the public to access the riverfront. Similar projects that increase public access to the waterfront are encouraged to take into consideration users’ needs and activity requirements.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: nile development, urban waterfronts, leisure and recreation, activities, architecture, accessibility. [paper 5 p.]